Abstract: A method of using a shielding device with an applicator includes inserting the distal portion of the shielding device to a treatment site of a patient, the shield being made of plastic, imaging the treatment site, planning treatment of the treatment site based on the imaging, setting up the patient for treatment, imaging the treatment site, removing the distal portion of the shielding device from the treatment site, exchanging the shield made of plastic with a shield made of tungsten, inserting the distal portion of the shielding device to the treatment site, the shield being made of tungsten, imaging the treatment site, and performing the treatment.

Abstract: A shielding device includes two elongated, parallel tubes joined at a distal portion, and a shield at least one of removably and slidably situated at the distal portion. An assembly includes an applicator configured for a treatment site, an assembly block attached to the applicator, at least one rotary unit configured to be rotatably received in the assembly block, and at least one shielding device that is configured to be movably received in a respective rotary unit. A method of using the shielding device with an applicator includes inserting the distal portion of the shielding device to a treatment site, and adjusting a position of the distal portion relative to a distal end of the applicator.

Abstract: A shielding device includes two elongated, parallel tubes joined at a distal portion, and a shield at least one of removably and slidably situated at the distal portion. An assembly includes an applicator configured for a treatment site, an assembly block attached to the applicator, at least one rotary unit configured to be rotatably received in the assembly block, and at least one shielding device that is configured to be movably received in a respective rotary unit. A method of using the shielding device with an applicator includes inserting the distal portion of the shielding device to a treatment site, and adjusting a position of the distal portion relative to a distal end of the applicator.

Abstract: A method of using a shielding device with an applicator includes inserting the distal portion of the shielding device to a treatment site of a patient, the shield being made of plastic, imaging the treatment site, planning treatment of the treatment site based on the imaging, setting up the patient for treatment, imaging the treatment site, removing the distal portion of the shielding device from the treatment site, exchanging the shield made of plastic with a shield made of tungsten, inserting the distal portion of the shielding device to the treatment site, the shield being made of tungsten, imaging the treatment site, and performing the treatment.

Abstract: A device and method for retaining a position of a treatment applicator include a perineal retainer body configured to receive the applicator and form a positive stop with a perineum of a body of a patient, and a locking bracket configured to secure the perineal retainer body to the applicator. The locking bracket is movable between first and second positions with respect to the perineal retainer body, is configured to exert a clamping force to clamp the applicator, includes an actuator configured to move the locking bracket between the first and second positions, and is vertically accessible for securing and adjusting the applicator with respect to the perineal retainer body. The method includes securing a perineal retainer body to the applicator by a locking bracket, and attaching the perineal retainer body to a body of a patient.

Abstract: Methods and devices are for providing the delivery of radioactive therapeutics to a cervix using a split ring applicator. The split ring applicator includes a central tandem and a plurality of adjustable split ring tubes that are adjustable laterally in relation to a cervical axis. A radiation dosage is deliverable to a cervical wall by at least one of the plurality of adjustable split ring tubes.

Abstract: A radio-nuclear material delivery system includes: a body; at least one catheter including a portion arranged within the body and extending along a longitudinal length of the body, each catheter including a blind lumen in which a radioactive material is insertable; and a shield arranged on an exterior of the body and movable along the body in a longitudinal direction of the catheter. The shield may be made of a tungsten material, e.g., coated with titanium nitride, for attenuating radiation from the nuclear material and controlling dosing of radiation for treatment of, e.g., breast cancer.

Abstract: Methods and devices are for providing the delivery of radioactive therapeutics to a cervix using a split ring applicator. The split ring applicator includes a central tandem and a plurality of adjustable split ring tubes that are adjustable laterally in relation to a cervical axis. A radiation dosage is deliverable to a cervical wall by at least one of the plurality of adjustable split ring tubes.

Abstract: Methods and devices are for providing the delivery of radioactive therapeutics to a cervix using a split ring applicator. The split ring applicator includes a central tandem and a plurality of adjustable split ring tubes that are adjustable laterally in relation to a cervical axis. A radiation dosage is deliverable to a cervical wall by at least one of the plurality of adjustable split ring tubes.

Abstract: A seed anchor includes a tubular anchor body having a plurality of partial cylindrical walls splayed outwardly at an axial end of the anchor body to form an anchoring structure configured to resist axial movement of the seed anchor in a direction opposite an insertion direction when the seed anchor is implanted into tissue.

Abstract: A template for surgically implanting needles into a patient's body. A support backing of the template specifically angled and curved to conform to a body structure to provide stability in the relative positions between the body and the template. The template further having a locking mechanism to hold needles in place after they have been inserted into the body structure, the locking mechanism utilizing a channel to guide a floating plate in vertical motion with respect to a contiguous stationary plate. When force is applied to the floating plate, the relative motion of the plates puts a locking force on the needles which run through holes in the two contiguous plates. A hollow protective covering to be mounted over the front face of the template to protect the ends of the needles that have been inserted through the template and into the patient.

Abstract: An applicator is disclosed for implanting seeds at variably spaced locations in a patient's body. The applicator includes a needle insertable into the body, a base member adapted to be maintained generally stationary with respect to a surface of the body during use, and a needle chuck, which is slidably mounted with respect to the base member, for releasably coupling the needle. The applicator also includes a seed magazine mounted on the needle chuck for dispensing seeds into the needle bore, a stylet extendable through the needle bore for forcing seeds in the bore into the patient's body, and a barrel attached to the needle chuck. The barrel includes five rows of spaced indentations. The indentations in each row are generally equally spaced from adjacent indentations in that row, and the indentation spacing in each row is different from other rows.

Abstract: A film pack holder having a built in scale for use in calibrating the positioning accuracy of an irradiation device to move a radiation source a selected distance along a given path.

Abstract: Medical instrument for implantation of radioactive seeds in a body, the instrument including an elongated support rod and an elongated stylet rod spaced apart from and parallel to the support rod, and being held in that relationship by a stop block and a slide block spaced apart from each other and longitudinally slidable with respect to both the support rod and the stylet rod. The stop block is attached to the support rod and the slide block is clampable to each of the support rod and the stylet rod. A seed cartridge with transverse spaced passageways and a central longitudinal through bore receives, stores, and discharges a plug of spaced radio-active seeds by the stylet rod through a connectible hollow elongated implantation needle through which the plug may be implanted in body tissue.

Abstract: A pipeline switch for selectively connecting a loading pipe to one of several secondary pipes or conduits includes an apertured plate with several through-holes for rigid connection in alignment with the secondary pipes or conduits, a pipe plate rotatable parallel to the apertured plate and having a through-hole which can be aligned with any one of the through-holes of the apertured plate and with which the loading pipe is rigidly connected in alignment, and a control unit for rotating and locking the apertured plate in relation to the pipe plate. A radiation source can be guided by a cable through the loading pipe into the aligned one of the secondary pipes.